Using Technology in a Preschool Classroom: 5 Helpful Tips for Teachers
Written by: Abigail Carter
In today’s fast-paced digital age, technology plays a significant role in education, even at the preschool level. Integrating technology into the classroom can enhance learning experiences, encourage creativity, and prepare young children for a technology-driven world. However, it is essential to approach this integration thoughtfully and effectively. Here are five helpful tips for teachers to successfully incorporate technology in a preschool classroom.
1. Select Age-Appropriate Tools
When selecting technology for preschoolers, it is crucial to choose age-appropriate tools that cater to their developmental needs. Young children have limited attention spans and require interactive and engaging activities that hold their interest. Tablets, educational apps, and interactive whiteboards can provide valuable learning experiences when used correctly.
“When selecting technology for preschoolers, it is crucial to choose age-appropriate tools that cater to their developmental needs.”
Suggestions:
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Photo courtesy of the author.
Tablets: Use tablets with educational apps designed for preschoolers. Look for apps that promote early literacy, math skills, and problem-solving. Examples include interactive storybooks, phonics games, and simple math puzzles. - Interactive Whiteboards: These can be used for group activities where children can participate in games, storytelling, or drawing. They provide a visual and tactile experience that keeps young learners engaged.
- Robotics Kits: Simple coding toys designed for preschoolers, such as Bee-Bots or Cubetto, can introduce basic programming concepts in a fun and interactive way.
A recent favorite website I have found that is amazing for students Preschool-5th (and even above!) is called Book Widgets.
is a content creator for teachers, with an emphasis on creativity. Students can do a variety of activities and each widget is simple to create (there are even hundreds of pre-made templates available as well). My favorite to use is called “Jigsaw Puzzle.” Teachers can upload any image and Book Widgets will turn it into a jigsaw puzzle that students can put together. Teachers can choose the number of pieces they would like the puzzle to have, can include hints if needed, and also have a customizable reward sent when completed. The possibilities are endless with Book Widgets! This link is to a Happy New Year puzzle I created – feel free to upload it for your classroom or complete it as a whole group activity!
2. Incorporate Technology into Daily Routines
Integrating technology into daily routines can enhance learning without overwhelming young learners. Use technology as a tool to support existing activities rather than replacing traditional methods.
Suggestions:
- Story Time: Incorporate e-books or audiobooks during story time. This can help capture children’s attention through animations and sound effects. Ensure to balance this with traditional storytelling to maintain a personal touch.
I enjoy using Novel Effect while doing a read aloud in class. It allows teachers to insert fun sounds (such as a dog barking, or a fire truck alarm) while reading specific parts of a story – making it more magical for children to listen to and easier for little ones to stay engaged.
3. Promote Collaboration and Communication
Technology can serve as a valuable tool for collaboration and communication among preschoolers. Encouraging group activities involving technology can enhance social skills, teamwork, and communication abilities.
Suggestions:
- Group Projects: Assign small group projects where children can work together using a tablet or computer. For example, they can create a digital story using Book Creator or collaborate on a presentation about a topic of interest.
- Classroom Blogs or Website: Create a classroom blog or digital portfolio where children can share their work and experiences. Parents can also participate by commenting, which encourages a sense of community and involvement. Google has a variety of pre-made websites that educators can easily use to create a weekly or monthly blog.
- Video Calls: Organize video calls with other classrooms or family members. This can help children practice communication skills and learn about different cultures and experiences.
“Young children learn best through exploration and interaction with their environment. Therefore, technology should complement, not replace, traditional learning activities.”
4. Balance Technology with Hands-On Learning
While technology has its benefits, it is essential to balance its use with hands-on learning experiences. Young children learn best through exploration and interaction with their environment. Therefore, technology should complement, not replace, traditional learning activities.
Suggestions:
- Nature Exploration: After using technology to learn about nature, take children outside for a nature walk. Encourage them to observe and interact with their surroundings, reinforcing what they learned through technology. Create an online scavenger hunt after your nature walk that students can work on when returning.
- Arts and Crafts: After using digital tools for design ideas, provide materials for hands-on art projects. This allows children to express their creativity while engaging in tactile experiences.
- Physical Activities: Incorporate physical play that complements technology learning. For instance, if children learn about shapes using a tablet, have them find or create shapes with blocks or other materials in the classroom.
5. Educate About Digital Citizenship
Even at a young age, it is essential to introduce the concept of digital citizenship. Teaching preschoolers about responsible technology use can lay the foundation for safe and respectful online behavior as they grow older.
Suggestions:
- Discuss Online Safety: Use simple language to explain the importance of not sharing personal information and recognizing that not everything online is true. Use role-playing to practice these concepts in a fun way. Below is a link to some great books that you can use in your classroom to encourage communication about digital safety. My favorites are Blackout and Dot.
Books to Boost Digital Citizenship
- Model Positive Behavior: As a teacher, model positive technology use. Demonstrate how to use devices respectfully and responsibly, emphasizing kindness and respect in all interactions.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Discuss the difference between digital content and real-life experiences. Encourage children to think critically about what they see and hear online, fostering an inquisitive mindset.
Integrating technology into the preschool classroom can provide valuable learning opportunities and prepare children for a digital future. By choosing age-appropriate tools, incorporating technology into daily routines, promoting collaboration, balancing with hands-on learning, and educating about digital citizenship, teachers can create a rich and engaging learning environment.
As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about new tools and practices will help educators make the most of their integration efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance children’s learning experiences while ensuring their safety and well-being in a technology-driven world. With thoughtful and intentional use of technology, preschool teachers can inspire a love for learning that lasts throughout their educational career.
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